On June 17, the Australia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held in Melbourne. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao delivered a video address to the event.

Wang Wentao noted that the signing of ChAFTA was a milestone in the economic and trade relations between China and Australia. Over the past decade, the ChAFTA has served as an important engine in delivering fruitful outcomes in the bilateral economic and trade cooperation. China is ready to work closely with Australia to further tap into the potential and enrich the content of the ChAFTA, enhance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation across the board, and create a good institutional environment for the pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges between the two countries, in a bid to sustain the momentum of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang emphasized that an open, stable and rules-based international trade and economic order is in the interest of all countries. China is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Australia to adhere to cooperation and openness, and avoid isolation and confrontation. China firmly supports the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, steadily expands institutional opening-up, shares development opportunities and dividends with the rest of the world, and supports more foreign invested companies—including Australian businesses—in their efforts to invest in China and deepen footprint in China.

The forum was co-hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia and the Australia China Business Council, and was attended by over 300 representatives from the Chinese and Australian business communities. Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell also delivered a video address to the forum.